My Shotgun Would've Kept Me From Facing My Fear

I have a fear of falling.

It’s not age-related.

I just don’t like to fall. It often hurts.

During hunting season I’m especially careful. The ground is uneven if not steep, the footing precarious. If I take a misstep and lose my balance I always protect the gun, letting my elbows and backside hit the ground instead of the fancy walnut stock.

That approach has served me well. While my elbows and backside may be scarred and bruised, my 20-gauge, Italian over-and-under only bears a couple of hard-to-see scratches.

Once winter sets in and the season ends I put chains on my boots for my daily walks....